Tripod or not during wedding group shots?

[morehtml]

With a 20D and a 24-70L during outdoor shots before the wedding should I use a tripod or not? Probably using the 580EX for fill flash and shutter around 1/250

And while we are at it what is a good manual setting for a group shot on manual mode to make sure I always get everyone in good focus?

[robertwgross]

Originally Posted by morehtml

With a 20D and a 24-70L during outdoor shots before the wedding should I use a tripod or not? Probably using the 580EX for fill flash and shutter around 1/250

I can't think of any reason not to use a tripod.

Originally Posted by morehtml

And while we are at it what is a good manual setting for a group shot on manual mode to make sure I always get everyone in good focus?

First of all, when you mention "manual mode," you must be meaning M exposure mode. If your subjects are spread out in different distances, then you will have to go to a bigger aperture number to get everybody in focus. If everybody is mostly at the same distance, then you can get by with a lower aperture number. If you want to isolate that group from the background more, then go to the smallest aperture number and move them away from the background.

---Bob Gross---

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I personally tend to use a monopod for those shots, if anything. I often don't use anything, and get great results, none the less. You've certainly got a great setup for those shots, though. The reason I prefer the monopod is that it just seems easier for me to move around with it. It keeps me plenty steady at the same time. If you're gonna be shooting at 1/250, I honestly can't see needing anything to keep you steady, unless you're just looking for support. But what do I know, eh?

[Harry Settle]

I vote for a tripod during the formal photo sessions, use a backup camera for those snap shots that may be happening at the same time.

[tim]

Use the tripod if you have time to set it up, it eliminates one of the things that can spoil a photo (ie camera shake). That's the only time in a wedding I do use a tripod.

[robertwgross]

Originally Posted by tim

Use the tripod if you have time to set it up, it eliminates one of the things that can spoil a photo (ie camera shake). That's the only time in a wedding I do use a tripod.

Absolutely. If you get camera shake, then it is purely the photographer's error.

---Bob Gross---

[Lowsky]

tripod, yes , but never during the wedding itself. I did a wedding where I was NOT allowed to use a flash during the wedding ceremony but my second photographer caught what I could not shoot from the balcony with a tripod and zoom.

[NGrinerPhoto]

i use a tripod for formals. i use it mainly so i can make eye contact with the subjects when taking the photo. i tend to get a better reaction that way.

[Screamer]

Tripod and a cable release...why risk it? Besides by using the cable release you can keep the attention of the party and then get them moving on to the next thing.

It seems like a little thing, but our wedding photgrapher did neither and it was the first thing I thought of after seeing the shots...wasted time and disappointment with his work.

[Wilt]

Nice thing about tripod, in additon to what has already been said, is that you can have your composition set to so that the variable is number of poeple in the shots, but your framing is set up already, and you can walk up and adjust one person or another to arrange where their hand is placed, or how they need to move out from behind someone else. Less ambiguous and time consuming than verbal requests "Hey you, wearing the tux...("which one, dummy" is going thru all their minds)

[etaf]

tripod yes - and for the reason given by wilt and NGrinerPhoto
I find i get dont have to worry about compostion as its all set on the tripod and i can then concentrate on the group setup and people.
Also using a tripod with cable release or wireless gets you away from behind camera and makes a better repoir with the groups

[Mike Panic]

theres a few things not mentioned in this thread, don't know why.

first, why shoot 1/250th? you didn't mention the time of day. moreover, the conditions will determine that shutter speed, based on sun, clouds, shade, etc. shooting @ that shutter speed could result in f/2.8 shots which could lead someone to be out of focus. the flash synch's @ 1/250th so as long as your shutter speed is as faster or faster then your focal length at the time, you should not have camera shake.

shooting between f/8 and f/11 or so will probably yield your best results and not drop your shutter speed too slow

the main reason for using tripod w/ a group of people, especially so when you dont' have an assisitant, is so you can help pose them and arrange things. when you shoot the bride and bridesmaids it is common to put all the flowers around the bottom of the brides dress as it is fanned out in front of her. you can't always expect or ask the wedding party to help out w/ this... and your composition will start to suffer if your walking back and forth back and forth to adjus things for the shot

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I guess I was thinking about MY past weddings...most have been near the finger lakes, and therefore are usually outside. It always seems to be my average speed. Sometimes more like 1/160. Either way, it works for me. I've actually only done a couple of in-church weddings. People around here just seem to favor outdoor weddings. Pretty area.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

btw, it's usually *very* sunny at my weddings.

[DaveG]

Originally Posted by morehtml

With a 20D and a 24-70L during outdoor shots before the wedding should I use a tripod or not? Probably using the 580EX for fill flash and shutter around 1/250

And while we are at it what is a good manual setting for a group shot on manual mode to make sure I always get everyone in good focus?

I use a tripod for about 90% of the shots that I do at a wedding. It gives me the stability results but along with that it lets me choose shutterspeed aperture combinations with a lot less regard for having a fast shutterspeed. Obviously there are times where the subjects are moving and I would have to use a fast shutterspeed but there are alos lots of time where I can use a slow shutterspeed and in combination with flash to get the right amount ambient light fill.

For groups I always use a tripod and for all the reasons above. But it also lets me establish a position. Then the backgrounds should be more or less similar and consistent. But the main thing is that if I walk up to a group to make adjustments, when I turn around Uncle George will be standing - with his point and shoot - EXACTLY where I'll need to be!